Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
(#58 on The Big Read. My combined score: 8)

Going in I was vaguely aware of the story. I was pretty sure it has something to do with a horse.

Writing: 4
Characters: 2
Story: 2
Total: 8 out of 30

Overall: I had no idea this book was written from the horse’s perspective. But that is it’s only redeeming feature. I can understand young girls liking this but what adult is enjoying reading the account of a happy slave describing how terrible his life is and how wonderful it is when he gets a good master?  This book pulled off one feat that I did not expect, I hated it more than I did The Twits.

Recommendations: No one. I suppose at one time the book served a purpose in pointing out how people might unintentionally mistreat their horses. But since hardly anyone has a horse now and if they did there are a lot of better sources of information on their care and upkeep I would not recommend this book to anyone.